After breakfast, you'll depart at 9 a.m. with your Egyptologist guide to the necropolis of Saqqara, home of the first pyramid ever built, the Pyramid of Djoser, as well as some spectacular tombs.

Early In the morning, transfer to Cairo airport to fly to Luxor, where you'll board your luxurious cruise ship comfortably in time for lunch at 1 p.m. In the afternoon, explore highlights of Luxor's bustling East Bank: the vast complex of Karnak Temple, and the almost equally mighty Temple of Luxor. By 5:30 p.m. you'll be back on board for afternoon tea, followed by a belly dance show at 7:30 p.m. and dinner.

The day begins with an early breakfast before you depart for Luxor's West Bank at 7 a.m. to visit the Valley of the Kings, where Theban royalty were buried in brilliant colored tombs. (Please note there is an extra charge for admission to some tombs.) You'll drive to the vast, cliff-cut Temple of Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh who portrayed herself as a man. At 11 a.m., set sail for your next stop, Esna, where you'll enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, a welcome cocktail party, dinner, and a disco.

You'll drive to the vast, cliff-cut Temple of Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh who portrayed herself as a man. At 11 a.m., set sail for your next stop

The last full day of your cruise is action-packed, beginning with a 6 a.m. wakeup call for breakfast and a 7 a.m. tour of Kom Ombo temple, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. By 8 a.m., you're back on board for the journey to Aswan, the tranquil Nile-side city that's the capital of Nubian culture. After an early lunch, disembark at 1:30 p.m. for a tour of Aswan's highlights: the High Dam that stopped the Nile flooding, the granite quarries with their Unfinished Obelisk, and the Temple of Philae on an island in the Nile. Afternoon tea is at 5 p.m., with dinner at 7:30 p.m. After dinner, immerse in Nubian culture with a Nubian folklore show.

The Temple of Philae on an island in the Nile.

After breakfast, you'll set out at 9 a.m. for the wonderful Egyptian Museum, home to many of the treasures discovered by archaeologists, most famously Tutankhamen's iconic death mask. (Please note there is an extra charge to enter the Royal Mummy Room.) Next, it's time to discover medieval Cairo with visits to the Coptic Christian Hanging Church, the Citadel of Saladin, and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Finally, you'll visit the famous Khan al-Khalili market to stock up on souvenirs.

The Citadel of Saladin, and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.

Next, it's time to discover medieval Cairo with visits to the Coptic Christian Hanging Church